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Five surprising reasons you need marula oil

Move over argan oil – marula oil is the latest anti-ageing secret that’s got beauty experts raving. It comes from the fruit kernels of the East African Marula tree, and was originally used by women from northern Namibia’s Ovambo tribe for its protective benefits on skin and hair.

Now discover five surprising ways marula oil could help you achieve healthy, younger-looking skin too.

1. It can help minimize fine lines & wrinkles

Marula oil contains four times as much vitamin C as oranges, is rich in vitamin E and is packed with high levels of oleic acid – omega 9 fatty acids – too. These all improve skin elasticity, and help your skin cells to renew and become more resilient. Marula oil is also quickly absorbed, which helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

2. It’s naturally chemical free

Because of its 100 per cent natural origins, marula oil has anti-microbial properties, so it’s free from harsh chemicals or preservatives like parabens. Parabens are used in many skin-care products to extend their shelf life by protecting them from growth of bacteria and fungus. There are some concerns over the potentially toxic effects of parabens absorbed via the skin, but marula oil is free from any synthetic chemicals.

3. It goes double duty on hair and nails

Marula oil works as an anti-ageing oil on your face, but it can also be used to moisturise your hands and nails, and even as a deep conditioning treatment for hair. Simply run a few drops through damp hair to help combat split ends, leaving hair looking shiny and healthy. The oil also helps calm and soothe skin after you’ve spent too much time in the sun.

4. It works as a makeup primer

Stop your bathroom cupboard getting cluttered with products, as marula oil can also be used to prime skin before applying make-up. It’s absorbed quickly and easily, leaving skin feeling smooth with a matte finish – the perfect make-up primer. Add it to, or use in place of your usual moisturiser, then apply your make-up as normal.

5. It helps fight acne

Marula oil is pH balanced and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Its proven anti-microbial properties mean it can actually help heal acne blemishes, and is suitable even for oily and sensitive skin types.

Apply it to your face, neck and chest straight after cleansing; gently massage in an upwards-circular motion to stimulate and increase circulation. Stick to one or two drops if you have oily skin, or three to four if you have dry or older skin.